WASHINGTON (AP) - The Washington Nationals acquired catcher Kurt Suzuki from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league catcher David Freitas on Friday.

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The 28-year-old Suzuki was batting .218 with a home run and 18 RBIs for Oakland. Manager Davey Johnson said he expects Suzuki to report in time for the home game against Miami on Saturday.

Washington wanted to shore up its catching spot after the mid-May loss of Wilson Ramos with a torn ACL. Jesus Flores has been the starting catcher, though Johnson referred to Suzuki as "a No. 1 catcher."

When General Manager Mike Rizzo brought up Suzuki to Johnson, the manager enthusiastically endorsed the acquisition.

"I said, 'Man, that would definitely bolster our catching corps,'" said Johnson, who managed Suzuki in a 2006 U.S. Olympic qualifying tournament.

Suzuki will be under team control in 2013.